A tragic incident occurred on the night of September 4th in Santiago de Cuba when a man lost his life attempting to extract dielectric oil from an electrical transformer on the Siboney Road. This act not only resulted in his death but also plunged an entire community into darkness, highlighting the extreme measures some are willing to take in their struggle for survival.
The provincial Electric Company confirmed via Facebook that the individual came into contact with the transformer's star connection, leading to a fatal accident and causing a power outage at the La Fortaleza farm, which remained without electricity at the time of the report.
Transformer oil, also known as dielectric or mineral oil, is crucial for cooling and insulating electrical systems. Its theft can lead to malfunctions, explosions, and severe fire hazards. Additionally, it contains toxic substances that pose significant health risks.
This incident is currently under investigation. While authorities label these actions as crimes against the community resulting in national losses, they undeniably mirror the worsening living conditions in Cuba, where fuel shortages and power outages are driving people to take deadly risks.
Independent journalist Yosmany Mayeta Labrada pointed out on Facebook that this tragedy is not an isolated event nor solely due to individual desperation. It is a direct outcome of a system that fails to provide fuel, electricity, or basic dignified living conditions.
He emphasized that the real issue lies not with the transformers but with governmental inefficiency and neglect, forcing citizens to endanger their lives to survive. Transformer oil is not a household fuel, and mishandling it can cause lethal electric shocks, fires, explosions, and power outages.
In November, the theft of 300 liters of dielectric oil left the community of Dos Caminos, located in the San Luis municipality, without electricity, impacting both residents and the local economy. The official newspaper Sierra Maestra reported at the time that such actions intensified power outages and affected thousands living under extreme conditions, promising a harsh response from the government.
Weeks later, authorities apprehended a resident of Las Américas in the Contramaestre municipality for selling dielectric oil stolen from electrical transformers.
Understanding the Risks of Transformer Oil Theft
Why is transformer oil theft dangerous?
Transformer oil theft is perilous because it can cause malfunctions, explosions, and severe fire hazards. Additionally, the oil contains toxic substances that are harmful to health.
What are the consequences of stealing transformer oil in Cuba?
In Cuba, stealing transformer oil can lead to power outages, affecting entire communities and local economies. It also poses significant safety risks and highlights the broader issues of governmental inefficiency and neglect.